Compare this game and others against Atleti where Carrasco would be terrorizing our right side, he was the difference in keeping that side safe for majority of the game.
MEDICAL REPORT | 29/12/2016 Following the tests carried out on Lucas Vázquez in the Sanitas la Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a grade 2 injury to his right soleus muscle, an injury he picked up at the Club World Cup. His recovery will continue to be assessed.
All the stars align for James to start in important matches this season. I also read Kovacic is injured as well.
Isco is a better CM in the 433 than James. I would think James would take that forward line starting position now with both Bale and Lucas out.
I have 2 problems with Lucas. The first one is that Zidane always seems to bring him in as the first sub. Even when it's completely unnecessary,makes no tactical sense or even when Lucas is in terrible form. He's not the game changer of the bench. My 2nd problem is that I'd rather that we have some talent coming on and getting some time. Lucas is 26 and he only seems to be going backwards. Odeegard is probably going to be that guy next season. I want players like Kovacic,Ceballos, Asensio, Bale/Isco coming off the bench. The whole point of Lucas is to bring him on vs a tired opposition and have him spam crosses from the right side. Odeegard will be able to do that better.
I think we should sell him next summer if his form doesn't pick up. Perhaps a transfer to a team where he can be a starter would be better for his career at this stage. Look at how well Callejon is doing at Napoli.
He'll make way at some point in order to make way for one of the young players out, like Callejon did. Still, overall Lucas overachieved in Madrid and despite having a rough season, he's had some pretty fantastic appearances for the club.
This kid never ceases to amaze me. From the second he steps on the field, through to the final whistle, he never stops giving it his all. It may not always be the prettiest, but the job gets done. Selling this guy would be a mistake. He bleeds for this club. Reminds me a bit of Arbeloa. In the sense that, he could go a full season without playing a minute, but once he throws on the jersey, he leaves his heart and soul on the pitch.
It's really interesting how he turned around the season. He had a horrible first part but looks like he's on fire in 2018. I didn't expect that comeback from him, didn't really think he had it in him tbh.
Hes actually better than most people think. Would probably enter every starting eleven in Europe. The very definition of a late bloomer.
I actually thought Lucas didn't have the greatest game yesterday -- there were several occasions where he was bypassed on that flank where I would have expected him to do better. Still, great effort and great job putting himself in a position to win the penalty, even if he was looking for it a bit.
Man I remember the days he played at Castilla. Has developed so much, Juan Carlos at that time was considered a bigger talent and look where he is now and where Lucas is. Same for Sarabia.
I'm not sure he enters every starting 11, but he is a very under appreciated team and it would be a crime if he is not on the WC squad for Spain.
I was speaking overall, still he earned that penalty and gave life to our attack, more so than Asensio imo.
Heart and Hustle!!! He's earned his minutes big time.... note mentioned often...but seems to connect really well with Ronaldo... (him and Asensio both actually..)
Is there any doubt that he will be on the WC squad? He's a player that every coach would love to have.